He was a shy Liverpool boy who became one of our best-loved stars, billed as Britain’s own Elvis.
The life of Billy Fury is celebrated in Halfway To Paradise, performed by his band Fury’s Tornados. The show features hits such as Jealousy, I Will and Last Night Was Made For Love performed against footage of Billy and the band, Charlie Elston, on piano and keyboards, lead guitarist Chris Raynor, drummer John Raynor – who all performed with Billy from 1972 as Fury’s Tornados – and bassist Graham Wyvill. They replaced the original Tornados and became his longest-running band.
Fury’s Tornados backed Billy until his retirement through ill heath in 1976. In 1982 the band was asked to do a comeback tour but Billy died the following year from a heart attack.
Playing Billy is Colin, who appeared on ITV’s Stars In Their Eyes as Billy Fury and a fortnight later joined Fury’s Tornados.
- Halfway To Paradise is on at St George’s Hall on Friday, April 11. For tickets, ring (01274) 432000.
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